Punjab, Germany plan to create renewable energy hub

Punjab and Germany are set to join hands for creating a renewable energy equipment hub in the state as an Indo-German energy programme has proposed to facilitate linkage between Punjab and German renewable energy sectors. Punjab has also sought help from the European country to harness the huge potential available in rooftop solar and biomass power.

chandigarhUpdated: May 11, 2015 09:21 IST

HT Correspondent Hindustan Times

Punjab and Germany are set to join hands for creating a renewable energy equipment hub in the state as an Indo-German energy programme has proposed to facilitate linkage between Punjab and German renewable energy sectors. Punjab has also sought help from the European country to harness the huge potential available in rooftop solar and biomass power.

A delegation of the Indo-German Energy Programme, led by its director, Dr Winfried Damm, on Sunday called on Punjab new and renewable energy minister Bikram Singh Majithia and principal secretary Anirudh Tewari and made a presentation regarding the role of the forum and the efforts being put in by them in facilitating technology transfer as well as investment by German companies in the renewable energy sector in India.

Dr Damm offered to facilitate linkage between Punjab and German renewable energy industry to create a renewable energy equipment hub in the state.

Majithia assured the delegation that the state would extend all facilitation to the German industry. He pointed out that the state had an extremely investor-friendly policy in place, supported by a specific new and renewable energy policy. Making a strong case of huge potential for investment available in the state in rooftop solar and biomass power, Majithia requested the delegation to help Punjab in these sectors as Germany had a strong presence and proven track record in both sectors.

Tewari talked about the potential of around 1,000 MW in canal-top and reservoirs in the state. Dr Amarpal Singh, chief executive officer, Punjab Energy Development Authority (PEDA), was also present at the meeting.